The TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) is ushering in a new Hall of Fame class and a longtime Monroe County educator is among the 12 new members.

Dan Schlafer, who currently serves as the federal programs director for the Monroe County School System, will be inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 20, during the annual luncheon at the Embassy Suites and Conference Center in Murfreesboro.

Schlafer was chairing the monthly meeting of the Hiwassee College Tiger Games Committee in his office on Monday, Feb. 11, when he received a text message from the TSSAA congratulating him on his selection.

"There were so many immediate reactions," said Schlafer, who resides in Fairfield Glade, but drives to Monroe County to work. "I was stunned, shocked, surprised, humbled and honored, while also realizing I had to tend to those six people in my office and the business of planning the Tiger Games without spilling the beans!"

Schlafer has spent nearly 40 years in education as a teacher, coach and administrator. He has worked in the Monroe, Knox and Cumberland County school systems and has been involved with the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA). He has also received numerous accolades from the TSSAA for his service to high school athletics.

See full story in the Wednesday, Feb. 20, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.